Team Nigeria on Sunday squeezed through to the semi-finals of the ongoing women’s cricket event at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

Nigeria finished second in group A with three points alongside Tanzania, but a better net run rate saw them through, all thanks to Tanzania’s one wicket win over Namibia in the other group A game.

The Female Yellow Greens qualified for the semis alongside South Africa, who finish top of the group with four wins.

The game at the Achimota B Cricket oval saw Nigeria faceoff against South Africa in the last group A game.

Nigeria won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 74 all out in 18.4 overs. In the chase, South Africa scored 78/6 in 14.5 overs . South Africa won by four wickets.

Blessing Etim, captain of the Nigerian team, who was beaming with smiles, said all that mattered was the qualification to the next round of the event.

Ms Etim said, “Though we lost to South Africa, all that matters is the semi-finals qualification. I must commend my teammates for the harEsd work they have put in. I also appreciate Lilian Ude for the five wickets she contributed in this game. Her performance was one of the major highlights of the game.’’

 Nigeria had earlier on Friday caused an upset at the Games when they defeated Namibia, one of the high ranked female cricket teams in the continent, with a 55-run victory.

 In the opening match of the tournament, Nigeria had shared points with Tanzania in a rain-washed inconclusive match on Thursday, which brought their tally to three points, before Sunday’s encounter.

Nigeria will face Zimbabwe on Monday in the first semi-final encounter, while South Africa will take on Uganda in the second semi-final tie. The women’s event is expected to end on Wednesday.

(NAN)